10 Places Where Locals Love to Eat in Portland
What are Portland's Best Local Restaurants?
The places where locals love to eat in Portland are known for their eco-friendly practices, with locally sourced and sustainably grown ingredients. From traditional Russian salads to vegan doughnuts, there’s no denying that the locals love their food and they’re always willing to queue for the best.
Portland’s close proximity to the coast means that you can enjoy freshly caught salmon and shellfish in Portland, and craft beers and wines are very popular accompaniments to meals. Make sure to include these local restaurants to your must-try list the next time you plan your vacation to Portland.
1. Screen Door
Southern comfort food
Good for: Families, Food
Screen Door is a beloved Portland eatery known for its mouthwatering Southern-inspired brunch and dinner menus, and welcoming atmosphere. Located in the Kerns neighborhood, this restaurant offers comfort food with a gourmet twist that keeps locals coming back for more.
Menu highlights include the famous buttermilk Southern fried chicken, which is juicy and tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. The signature praline bacon perfectly balances sweet and salty flavors, making it a must-try. The weekend brunch at Screen Door is particularly popular, so arrive early to secure your spot without a wait, as the restaurant is primarily walk-in with limited reservations.
Location: 2337 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214, USA
Open: Daily from 8.30 am to 2 pm and 4.30 pm to 9 pm
Phone: +1 503-542-0880
Screen Door
2. Grassa
Handmade pasta
Good for: Food, Families, Couples
Grassa is a no-frills Italian restaurant that’s known for its large eagle motif painted on its dining walls. There’s little happening on the menu besides fresh handmade pasta, but it manages to capture the hearts of the locals in Portland.
The restaurant’s atmosphere is very casual, with communal tables laid out so you could share a meal and maybe strike up a conversation. Queues at Grassa move quickly, so no reservations are needed; you won’t have to wait for long before you get seated.
Location: 1205 SW Washington St, Portland, OR 97205, USA
Open: Daily from 11 am to 10 pm
Phone: +1 503-241-1133
Grassa
3. Kachka
Traditional Russian dishes
Good for: Food, Couples
Kachka is a Russian restaurant loved for its selection of zakuski, small sharing plates of snacks, and an extensive list of vodkas. Its signature dish is called the Herring Under a Fur Coat. It’s actually a traditional Russian salad, made of potatoes, herring, carrots, beets, and onions, and topped with hard-boiled eggs, which makes for a great Instagram picture.
If you’re in a hurry, Kachka also offers an array of grab-and-go items available through lunch. You can find them at the Lavka Deli, located above the main restaurant.
Location: 960 SE 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97214, USA
Open: Sunday–Thursday from 11 am to 9 pm, Friday–Saturday from 11 am to 10 pm
Phone: +1 503-235-0059
Kachka
4. OK Omens
More than OK bites and wines
Good for: Food, Couples
OK Omens is a gastrobar set in the heart of Downtown Portland. They feature a long list of wines and spirits varying in prices, with playful names such as Explosively Salty Tropical White and Epic Oregon Chardonnay, just to name a few.
The menu at Ok Omens blends modern American cuisine with a touch of European flair. Try the Albacore Tartare with sungold tomatoes and charred padron pepper puree or the succulent Grilled Pork Rib Chop paired with marinated gigante beans.
Location: 1758 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214, USA
Open: Daily from 5 pm to 9.30 pm
Phone: +1 503-231-9959
OK Omens
5. Nimblefish
Fresh sushi and Omakase courses
Good for: Food, Couples
Nimblefish is a Japanese spot that has become a local favorite since 2017. The small, 12-seat restaurant specializes in fresh sushi and handrolls. While prices are quite steep, the high-quality ingredients and service make it a worthwhile experience.
If you’re feeling adventurous, indulge in the omakase courses and let the chef surprise you with a curated selection of dishes. The thoughtfully curated wine, spirits, and sake list perfectly complements the menu, making it a must-try experience. Whether you’re a seasoned sushi lover or a curious newcomer, Nimblefish promises an unforgettable culinary journey.
Location: 1524 SE 20th Ave, Portland, OR 97214, USA
Open: Daily from 5 pm to 9 pm
Phone: +1 503-719-4064
Nimblefish
6. Nong’s Khao Man Gai
Portland’s most popular Thai chicken and rice dish
Good for: Food, Families
Nong’s Khao Man Gai in downtown Portland is known for its namesake khao man gai (Thai-style chicken rice). Owned by a Thai chef, this establishment originated from a food cart selling only a single dish before moving into the brick-and-mortar store it is today.
While there are more dishes on the menu, many locals still order the flavorful khao man gai for their main dish. At the end of your meal, remember to also bring home a bottled sauce as a nice souvenir for your friends and family.
Location: 609 SE Ankeny St C, Portland, OR 97214, USA
Open: Daily from 10 am to 9 pm
Phone: +1 503-740-2907
Nong’s Khao Man Gai
7. Master Kong
A master of Chinese comfort food
Good for: Food, Couples, Families
Master Kong is a beloved spot where Portland locals flock for Chinese comfort food, particularly on weekends. Known for its generous portions perfect for sharing and freshly cooked-to-order dishes, the menu features dishes such as congee, dumplings, and jianbing, a crepe-like snack that is a must-try.
Due to its popularity, tables are usually snapped up quickly, especially on weekends. To avoid a long wait, it’s advisable to arrive earlier in the day. Whether you’re craving a hearty bowl of congee or a plate of savory dumplings, Master Kong is worth the visit.
Location: 8435 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97266, USA
Open: Monday–Friday from 10.30 am to 9 pm, Saturday–Sunday from 10 am to 9 pm
Phone: +1 971-373-8248
Master Kong
8. Doe Donuts
An array of ice-cream and donuts
Good for: Food, Couples, Families
Doe Donuts is a locally owned donut store serving fresh vegan donuts and artisanal ice-creams. Long queues form outside this wooden-clad store every day. Its menu is graced by flavors such as Salted Vanilla Bean and Portland Fog, made from organic earl gray glaze, fresh whipped cream, and vanilla bean. Can’t make up your mind? Order the Baker’s Choice in-store and the staff will pick their favorite flavors for you.
Doe Donuts also specializes in custom orders, including unique alphabet shaped doughnuts, ideal for birthdays or if you’re looking to pop the question in a delicious way.
Location: 4110 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97212, USA
Open: Monday–Thursday from 8 am to 4 pm, Friday–Sunday from 7 am to 8 pm
Phone: +1 503-333-4404
Doe Donuts
9. Eb & Bean
Frozen yogurts made from the heart
Good for: Food, Unusual
Eb & Bean is Portland’s first frozen yogurt store, run by a passionate home baker who was inspired by her children. Flavors at Eb & Bean rotate regularly, with sauces such as Cold Brew Bourbon and Citrus Curds making frequent appearances on the menu.
You could also opt for an array of toppings, such as organic toasted nuts, fresh fruits, and crumbles sourced from local pastry chefs. Eb & Bean also has seasonal flavors made with almond and coconut milk, welcoming those looking for vegan and lactose-free options.
Location: 1425 NE Broadway, Portland, OR 97232, USA
Open: Monday–Friday from 2 pm to 10 pm, Saturday–Sunday from noon to 10 pm
Phone: +1 503-281-6081
Eb & Bean
10. Salt & Straw
One of Portland’s most popular ice-cream spots
Good for: Food, Families
Salt & Straw will serve you well if you’re a fan of sweet treats. It’s one of Portland’s most popular dessert spots, with locals and visitors lining up for a scoop of ice-cream even when it’s raining out.
Salt & Straw serves over 36 rotating flavors on any given day, adding new flavors to the menu every month. A must-try is honey lavender or pear and blue cheese, all handmade with fresh cream from a local dairy farm in small batches for quality control.
Location: 838 NW 23rd Ave, Portland, OR 97210, USA
Open: Daily from 11 am to 11 pm
Phone: +1 971-271-8168
Salt & Straw
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